Special Marine Warning Issued for Coastal Georgia Waters and Grays Reef National Marine Sanctuary
A Special Marine Warning is in effect until 11:00 AM EDT for coastal waters between Savannah and Altamaha Sound as a strong thunderstorm moves through the area.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in Charleston has issued a Special Marine Warning for coastal waters in Georgia. The alert was issued at 10:05 AM EDT on March 12, 2026, following the detection of a strong thunderstorm in the region.
Affected Areas
The warning covers coastal waters from Savannah, GA, to Altamaha Sound, GA, extending out to 20 nautical miles. This area includes the Grays Reef National Marine Sanctuary. Specific locations impacted include:
- K T K Buoy
- Steel Barge Modena
- Buoy B H
- Sapelo Channelbuoy 3 and Sapelo Buoy S
- Buoy B L
- C A T Buoy
- St Catherines Buoy 3 and Saint Catherines Sound
- Grays Reef Buoy
- Doboy Sound Buoy D
- D R H Buoy
- A L T Buoy
- John Bird
- Tug Rio Apon
What You Should Do
Boaters and those on the water are advised to move to safe harbor immediately until the hazardous weather passes. The National Weather Service recommends avoiding these waters during the warning period to prevent damage to vessels.
Expected Conditions
At 10:05 AM EDT, radar indicated a strong thunderstorm near Altamaha Sound, moving east at 35 knots. The primary hazard identified is wind gusts reaching up to 34 knots. These conditions are expected to cause suddenly higher waves and could potentially damage small craft.
Timeline
The Special Marine Warning is effective immediately as of 10:05 AM EDT and is scheduled to expire at 11:00 AM EDT on March 12, 2026.
Source: NOAA Official Notice
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